The PGA South Florida Junior Section is set to kick off its tournament season this weekend.  It is an exciting time for  junior golfers because they get an opportunity to see how their skills have improved and apply them while playing different courses across the region.  ​

I teach a number of group classes and that allows my students to create friendships with golfers of different levels. At some point, a junior starts talking about their tournament experience to another junior and that may spark some new interest in a golfer who has not played in a tournament before.  While it is easy to think that tournament play is a natural progression for your golfer, it is important to remember that playing golf on course with the family is very different from playing in a tournament against other golfers in their respective age group. 

Assuming that your junior golfer can play the course applying the rules and keeps pace of play, maturity is key.  While they may be playing against another junior golfer, the reality is they are competing against the course. Basically, the golfer is given so many shots to get the ball in the hole (this is par).  The golfer's goal is make par or better.  If you do great, if you don't then learn from your mistakes and move on to the next hole.  It takes time to develop this kind of maturity on the golf course.  Some junior golfers develop it early and others take longer to get to that level.  

Additionally, sportsmanship is important.  I teach my students to only complement their opponents and never wish them bad.  There will be times when their opponent is doing well while they appear to be falling apart. Their response to a bad shot is just as important if not more important than their response to a good shot.  Character will be defined or refined in these moments.  

Once this level has been attained, it is important to remember to have fun and pick your caddy wisely.  While this is often a parent, sometimes this relationship can be toxic on the golf course.  I have seen many a junior golfer fall apart in a tournament because they are trying to please a parent rather than focus on golf.  My advice to parents is to let your junior golfer make their own decisions. They will not learn or improve if you are guiding their every move.  Encourage your junior golfer and avoid pressuring them to attain goals that you have or have had for yourself.  

These are just a few things to consider before registering your junior for their first tournament.  If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me at 708-584-0887.  

Click the links below to learn about tournament options. Pay special attention to age ranges and requirements.
Links Tour
Prep Tour
Challenge Tour
Champions Tour

Jayda and Vrishti (second place finish) are amazing examples of dedicated junior golfers.  They are both willing to come early in the morning for their golf lessons, sometimes before the sun is up and even when it is raining. Additionally,  they are very committed to their academics.  I firmly believe their efforts will yield college scholarships.  I am honored to be their golf coach.

When is the best time for your junior golfer to start playing tournaments?  When they are ready.  I assess readiness differently for each of my students because they are unique.  It is not about age it is truly about confidence in their game and their ability to make decisions on the course. 

I have been teaching Mateo since he was 5 years old, after a year I encouraged his mother to register him for local tournaments and then this past summer he joined the PGA Jr. League.  He was the youngest player on the team but he played his heart out and his teammates loved having him around.  

When I learned that the South Florida PGA Junior Golf tournament series had added the Junior Links Tour, I was excited to discuss this option with his mother.  The Links Tour  makes individual Jr. PGA Tournament play accessible to golfers ages 6-8.  The series of 9-hole events expanded into Palm Beach County this weekend with its first tournament at Johnathan's Landing-Old Trail this past Sunday. 

Mateo persevered through some extremely windy conditions on the front nine of the Hills Course (1,895 yards).  He overcame some struggles on the first four holes to close with a 45 and a first place finish.  I could not be more proud.  He has won other tournaments before but this one was special because it was his first PGA Tournament. 

As June comes to an end and July starts, I am honored to have the privilege to coach junior golfers.  While many recreational players in Florida are avoiding the hot and humid conditions of the golf course in the summer, a number of my junior students are in involved in leagues and playing in tournaments.  They are even scheduling their vacations around their golf commitments.  

Whether it be the JGFA, U.S. Kids or PGA offerings like the Prep Tour and Junior League, my students have chosen have elected to test their skills on the course and play with other young golfers this summer.  I am inspired by their dedication and I am awed by their willingness to learn from every experience that is placed in front of them.  

Sadly, I cannot be present at so many events to see them in action but I am thankful for the parents who send me pictures and videos.  Knowing that they are out playing, having fun and doing their best makes me happy.